The Impact of Mother’s Living Environment Exposure on Genome Damage, Immunological Status, and Sex Hormone Levels in Newborns

Aleksandra Fucic, Mirta Starcevic, Nada Sindicic Dessardo, Drago Batinic, Sasa Kralik, Jure Krasic, Nino Sincic, Damir Loncarevic and Vedrana Guszak
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Aleksandra Fucic: Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Mirta Starcevic: Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Nada Sindicic Dessardo: Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Drago Batinic: Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Sasa Kralik: Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Jure Krasic: Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Nino Sincic: Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Damir Loncarevic: University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Vedrana Guszak: Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-12

Abstract: Background: The aim of this study was to compare for the first time IL-6 (Interleukin 6), testosterone (T) and estradiol (E) levels, their ratio (E/T), micronucleus (MN), and nuclear bridge (NB) frequency between newborns with regard to their mother’s residency and diet. Our results should enable an assessment of the possible environmental endocrine effects and interaction between biomarkers, pointing to possible associated health risks. Methods: Fifty full-term newborns of both sexes, whose mothers were healthy and not occupationally exposed to any known carcinogen, were analyzed. All of the mothers filled in a detailed questionnaire. Results: The results showed significantly higher levels of E in newborns of mothers with agricultural residency than those born by mothers with urban residency. Significantly, lower levels of E were measured in newborns of mothers who drank milk and carbonated beverages more frequently. Testosterone was significantly higher in boys of mothers with agricultural residency than from mothers with urban residency. Residence and other parameters had no impact on the difference in MN frequency. IL-6 levels were higher in newborns of mothers with agricultural residency. NB levels were significantly associated with E. A significant association between E levels and IL-6 was found. Conclusion: Our results were the first to show a significant impact of the mother’s agricultural residency and diet on their newborns’ sex hormone and IL-6 levels and their association.

Keywords: estradiol; testosterone; endocrine disruptor; newborn; genome damage; diet; IL-6; biomonitoring (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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